Prayer & Liturgy
At St Joseph’s, prayer and liturgy are at the heart of all we do. Each day begins and ends with prayer, creating a calm and reflective rhythm that shapes our community and helps us live out our mission: “We learn, love and grow with God at the centre.” Children regularly take part in class liturgies, prayer services, and whole-school Masses that follow the rhythm of the Church’s liturgical year. Pupils are actively involved in preparing and leading worship through our weekly Celebration of the Word and special feast day celebrations, helping them to grow in faith, confidence and leadership.
Our Annual Plan of Provision (APoP) for Prayer and Liturgy opportunities during the academic year 2025/26 is now available for parents. It outlines key dates for religious experiences, including school Masses, prayer services, and other prayer opportunities your child will participate in throughout the year. The plan also provides links to relevant prayer books, so you can see the prayers children will be exposed to at each stage and support their spiritual development at home.
We are blessed to have strong parish links with both Father George, our parish priest at St Joseph’s Highgate, and Father Moses, parish priest at St Gabriel’s of Our Lady of Sorrows. Each year group attends Mass on the First Friday of every month at both churches on a rota basis, and parents are warmly invited to join these celebrations. Staff also gather together for First Friday Mass in our school chapel, sharing in prayer, reflection and fellowship as a staff community.
We are always impressed by the wonderful attendance of parents and families at children’s class liturgies, prayer services and whole-school Masses, as well as at special events in our school chapel such as the Rosary, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Through these rich and inclusive experiences, pupils, staff and families journey together in faith, deepening their relationship with God and one another as they grow in love, compassion and community.
For every phase, you will find links below to the corresponding prayer books so you can see exactly which prayers your child will be introduced to. This guide helps you support your child’s learning in an organised, age-appropriate way, making it easy to follow along and participate in their spiritual growth.
EYFS Prayer Book KS1 Prayer Book LKS2 Prayer Book UKS2 Prayer BookMaking the Sign of the Cross
We make the Sign of the Cross to remind us that God is with us, always. It’s a way of starting and ending our prayers, and it helps us remember something very important. When we do the Sign of the Cross, we say the names of the Holy Trinity — that’s God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit. Even though they are three persons, they are one God. That’s why we call it the Holy Trinity. When we do the Sign of the Cross, we are asking God to bless us and protect us — and we’re saying we believe in the Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
102nd Police Requiem Mass
Our Pupil Chaplains were invited to travel to Westminster Cathedral to take part in the 102nd Police Requiem Mass — a special service held each year to honour and remember police officers who have died in the line of duty.
Before the Mass began, the pupils were given the wonderful opportunity to speak with a police officer and a defence attorney who were attending the service. The officer spoke about what it means to serve and protect the public, and how important the Requiem Mass is and the meaning behind all the different medals the officers were wearing. The defence attorney was eager to hear the pupils’ thoughts and asked them lots of thoughtful questions about the values that guide our community. The children listened carefully and shared some excellent reflections of their own.
After these conversations, the chaplains were taken on a tour of Westminster Cathedral, where they explored the Chapel of St. Patrick, St. Andrew and St. Paul the Apostle. They admired the intricate mosaics, flickering candles, and peaceful atmosphere that filled each space, learning how the cathedral’s design and art tell the story of faith and service.
When it was time for the Police Requiem Mass, the pupils joined the congregation in the grand nave. The service began with a moving flag progression, as police officers in full uniform processed down the aisle carrying their flags with pride. The clear, powerful sound of trumpets echoed through the cathedral, creating a moment of deep reverence and respect.
The Mass itself was a solemn and beautiful occasion. The pupils listened attentively to the prayers, readings, and hymns, reflecting on the themes of remembrance, service, and peace. The Police Requiem Mass is a tradition that brings together police officers, their families, and the wider community to give thanks for those who have served and to pray for their eternal rest.
After the service, the pupils were warmly praised for their immaculate behaviour and the deep respect they showed throughout the day. Staff and other attendees commented on how reverently they participated in the Mass and how engaged they were in their conversations beforehand. Their conduct was a true credit to our school, demonstrating maturity, kindness, and genuine reverence for the occasion.
By the end of the visit, the chaplains had not only taken part in a meaningful act of remembrance but had also learned more about the values of service, sacrifice, and faith that connect us all. It was a truly inspiring and memorable experience.
